How Delta fits in the Motion Control WorldComparing the RMC70 and RMC100 Series
Which Motion Controller Should I Use?
The choice between Delta’s flagship multi-axis RMC100 motion controllers and Delta’s new RMC70 series motion controllers hinges around one major question: How many axes of closed-loop servo motion control do I need?
For applications requiring synchronization of more than two axes, the RMC100 is needed. For one- and two-axes applications, the RMC70 may offer more value.
However, in some cases, the RMC100 may be the best choice even in single axis applications. Factors that may favor the RMC100 include:
- installed base of RMC100 controllers
- familiarity with the RMC100
- more options / richer feature set of the RMC100
Software: RMCWin versus RMCTools
One important difference between the RMC100 and the RMC70 is the setup and programming software. The RMC100 uses Delta’s powerful RMCWin software while the RMC70 uses the new RMCTools software. While both packages serve the same purpose—providing means to quickly and easily get motion projects up and running—the details are quite different. Users familiar with RMCWin should allow a little extra time on their first RMC70 project to get up to speed on the new software.
Both RMCWin and RMCTools include versions of Delta’s unique user programs and powerful tuning and graphing software. The new RMCTools adds more capability to the User Programs, in particular, allowing the use of expressions.
RMCWin has more features, such as Delta’s new Tuning Wizard, and Curve Tool. Of course, more features are continually being added to both products, so please contact us for updates.
Communications Options
Both the RMC70 and RMC100 are orientated toward communication with PLCs and HMIs via various fieldbus networks. The RMC100 has a few more options than the RMC70.
| Communications | Serial | PROFIBUS | Discrete I/O | Ethernet | Modbus+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMC100 | Now | Now | Now | Now | Now |
| RMC70 | Now | Now | Now (via D8) |
Now | n/a |
The RMC100 communicates using 16-bit integers while the RMC70 communication is built around 32-bit floating point numbers. If you have questions regarding a specific RMC/PLC connectivity issue, please contact us. We are dedicated to providing fast, efficient interfaces to popular PLCs and HMIs, and are continually adding protocols and example programs.
Axis Type / Transducer Compatibility Options
Both the RMC70 and RMC100 are targeted toward servo electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic applications. With the very flexible RMC100, axis types can be mixed-and-matched in two-axis increments up to a total of eight axes. On the two-axis configuration of the RMC70, both axes are the same type. The RMC100 includes more feedback transducer options than does the RMC70.
| Axis Feedback | MDT | Analog | Resolver | SSI | Quadrature | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Control | Analog | Analog | Analog | Analog | Stepper | Analog | Stepper |
| RMC100 | Now | Now | Now | Now | In Dev | Now | Now |
| RMC70 | Now | Now | Future | Now | Future | Now | Future |
Contact us for availability update.
Axes are allocated differently within the two controllers. With the RMC100, an axis of any type uses one of the eight available axes. For example, a quadrature encoder input used only for gearing requires an axis, and “dual-loop” control requires two axes, limiting the RMC100 to four position-pressure or position-force axes.
While the RMC70 is limited to two axes requiring physical control outputs, it can have additional reference axes, with a maximum of 4 axes. For example, a dual- loop axis for position-pressure or position-force control counts as one axis, as does a quadrature input used as a reference for gearing.
Packaging and Expandability
The RMC100 is available in 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-slot factory configurable packages. The first two slots contain the communications module and the CPU module. The additional 1-4 slots can contain any combination of axis modules (each handling 2 axes) or DI/O or analog inputs. Position-pressure or position-force control is added by specifying RMC101 in the part number.
The RMC70 packaging is quite different. The factory-configured base module contains the CPU Module (which includes communications) and a one- or two-axis Axis Module.
Additional capability is available via user-installed Expansion modules. Up to four Expansion Modules can be plugged on to an RMC70, adding ½ axis encoder for gearing, discrete I/O, and analog inputs for reference and position-pressure or position-force control. Unlike the RMC100, position-pressure control capability is added by installing the AP2 Expansion Module.
Support and Training
Both controllers, as with all Delta products, are backed by Delta’s responsive 24/7 customer support. Hundreds of people are trained each year on the RMC100, and the RMC70 training is increasing. And with Delta’s policy of not obsoleting products as long as there is demand, your long-term investment is secure.
RMC Series Motion Controllers: Lasting value in electric and fluid power motion control… for systems of any size.